allonlinenovel Chapter 262 "Falsely Proclaiming an Imperial Edict"
Chapter 262 "Falsely Proclaiming an Imperial Edict"
early morning
Today, Xue Huaiyu still did not attend court. As agreed yesterday, today's court meeting was mainly to discuss the water conservancy issue in Qiangzhou.
Zheng Yuxiang stood in front of the hall, looked around at everyone, and slowly said, "My lords, as I said yesterday, we would discuss the water conservancy of Qiangzhou in court today."
"Yesterday's initial discussions, though marked by some disagreements, were all for the sake of the nation and its people. Today, we hope to gather wisdom from all sides and reach a consensus."
Chen Tongyu sneered, stepped forward, and said sarcastically, "Prime Minister, your word was law yesterday, so why bother asking for everyone's opinion today? Hasn't the decision already been made?"
Zheng Yuxiang remained calm and replied indifferently, "Lord Chen, you are mistaken. Yesterday's proposal was merely preliminary. Today, we are here to hear your valuable opinions in order to refine the plan. If you have any different views, please feel free to speak them."
The Minister of Personnel stepped forward, attempting to ease the tension: "Both of you are pillars of the court, and your dedication to the country and its people is evident. Why don't you first explain your thoughts in detail, and then let everyone comment?"
Zheng Yuxiang nodded in agreement: "What you say is very true, Lord Yu. The Qiangzhou water conservancy project is a project that benefits the country and the people. Although it costs a lot of money, if it can solve the local drought and benefit all people, it is a great good."
"I have calculated the costs with the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Works multiple times, and the funds are feasible and the technology is mature."
Chen Tongyu scoffed and retorted, "Your Excellency makes it sound so easy, but you haven't mentioned the potential dangers this action might bring."
"Such a massive project could have unimaginable consequences if anything goes wrong. Moreover, with the national treasury empty, starting construction prematurely could trigger a financial crisis."
Upon hearing Chen Tongyu's words, one minister felt that what he said made sense, and thus echoed, "Lord Chen's concerns are also reasonable."
The Minister of Rites stroked his beard, seemingly lost in thought, and said, “What Lord Chen said is indeed reasonable. The Qiangzhou water conservancy project is massive in scale and extremely costly. The national treasury is already strained, and if it falls into difficulties because of this, it may be difficult to maintain other necessary expenditures.”
The Minister of Works frowned and shook his head, his tone heavy: "Indeed, this matter needs careful consideration. After all, the livelihoods of the people depend on this, and we cannot act rashly."
Zheng Yuxiang smiled slightly and said in a calm voice, "I have considered the concerns of you gentlemen. It is precisely because this matter is of great importance that a decisive decision is needed."
"Qiangzhou suffers from drought year-round, and the people are in dire straits. If we do not provide assistance, it may lead to a major disaster. As for the financial issue, I have discussed it in detail with the Ministry of Revenue. Although there will be pressure in the short term, in the long run, this move will surely bring rich rewards to the court."
"If this matter can be accomplished, the amount of disaster relief funds saved each year will be considerable. Moreover, the drought in Qiangzhou will be alleviated, and with water available, the annual grain production will also increase significantly. With grain available, the people will be able to eat, and many people will not starve to death due to drought every year."
Chen Tongyu snorted coldly, a hint of mockery flashing in his eyes: "Your Excellency is always so confident, but things are unpredictable. Who can guarantee that everything will go smoothly? If problems arise during the project, or if the results are not as expected, who can bear that responsibility?"
Zheng Yuxiang's gaze was piercing as he looked directly at Chen Tongyu: "Lord Chen, how can we govern a country and ensure its stability without taking risks? If everyone were as hesitant as you, how could we talk about revitalizing the nation?"
Chen Tongyu's face instantly darkened, and he was about to retort when he was interrupted by a voice.
The Minister of Rites stepped forward with a smile, cupped his hands, and said, "Both of you are important officials of the court, and what you say makes sense. How about this, we first compile the opinions of both sides, and then submit them to His Majesty for a decision?"
Before the Minister of Rites had finished speaking, a eunuch carrying an imperial edict entered the hall.
The eunuch walked to the center of the hall, stood still, held the imperial edict high above his head, and then shouted in a shrill voice, "The imperial edict has arrived!"
The ministers immediately knelt down and shouted in unison, "Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"
The eunuch unfolded the imperial edict, cleared his throat, and loudly proclaimed: "By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: In view of the numerous controversies surrounding the water conservancy project in Qiangzhou, and having received reports from various parties, I hereby order Prime Minister Zheng Yuxiang to temporarily suspend its implementation until the national treasury is full before further discussion!"
The ministers all replied in unison, "We obey your decree!"
Upon hearing the imperial edict, Zheng Yuxiang and Zheng Luoqi exchanged a glance, both seeing the confusion in each other's eyes.
Xue Huaiyu had clearly sent people to guard the area; if an imperial edict were to be issued, someone would have already notified them in advance.
There must be something fishy about this imperial edict arriving so suddenly.
As expected, Zheng Yuxiang took the imperial edict and glanced at the handwriting. Although it looked very similar to Xue Huaiyu's, Zheng Yuxiang could tell at a glance that the handwriting was an imitation.
"Now that His Majesty has awakened, he must be much better. I have important matters to discuss with His Majesty. May I ask if you, sir, could inform him?" Zheng Yuxiang suddenly challenged, his eyes fixed on the eunuch delivering the decree.
The eunuch felt uneasy, as if pricked by Zheng Yuxiang's gaze.
He quickly explained, "Your Excellency, His Majesty has been working far too hard on state affairs lately and has only just managed to rest. Why don't you come another day?"
Zheng Yuxiang remained unmoved, his eyes fixed on the eunuch who was delivering the imperial decree.
The eunuch felt uneasy under the eunuch's gaze, but dared not refuse to answer, so he had no choice but to say, "Your Excellency, the Emperor is indeed resting now!"
Seeing this, Chen Tongyu, who was standing to the side, raised the corners of his mouth slightly and revealed a mocking smile. He said in a sarcastic tone, "Oh, Prime Minister, your official prestige is quite impressive!"
"The imperial edict has already been issued, yet you still insist on seeing the Emperor. Could it be that you have some dissatisfaction with His Majesty's decision?"
"I naturally have no objection to His Majesty's decision, but whether it is truly His Majesty's decision is still uncertain!" Zheng Yuxiang's voice was neither loud nor soft, yet it carried an undeniable air of authority.
His gaze was piercing as he stared directly at the eunuch before him. "I suspect someone has forged an imperial edict!"
These words struck the eunuch like a bolt from the blue, instantly turning his face as pale as paper and causing a bead of sweat to appear on his forehead.
"Although the handwriting on this imperial edict looks similar to the Emperor's at first glance, a closer look reveals some differences," Zheng Yuxiang continued, his tone becoming increasingly stern.
"Speak! Where did this imperial edict come from? And why did you present it to me?"
Faced with Zheng Yuxiang's questioning, the eunuch was clearly flustered. He knelt down with a thud, kowtowing repeatedly, and said with a mournful face, "Your Excellency, even if you gave me ten thousand lives, I would never dare to commit such a heinous crime that could lead to beheading!"